When it comes to feeding your baby, pumping and breastfeeding are both fantastic options with different advantages depending on your individual needs. But that still begs the question: what are the unique benefits of breastfeeding versus the benefits of pumping breast milk?
First of all, know that you don’t have to choose
You can nurse and pump and enjoy the advantages of both. Keep that in mind as you strategize your feeding plan, and allow for some flexibility as things inevitably change.
Breastfeeding
A feedback loop in action
When your infant is at your breast, your body can actually customize your breastmilk to your baby. When their saliva interacts with your milk, your brain receives a message to send them the nutrients and antibodies they need. Your breast milk composition even changes as your nursing baby grows.
Breastfeeding supply and demand
Breastfeeding is a supply and demand system: the more milk your body thinks your baby needs, the more it will make. When you pump, your baby isn’t there to let your body know precisely how much milk to produce.
Breastfeeding might be more convenient
For some peoples’ lifestyles, the fact that breastfeeding requires little to no preparation is key. There’s no need to pack bottles or clean and dry a breast pump… you just need yourself!
Breastfeeding can soothe an anxious baby
Skin-to-skin contact can calm both nursing parent and child, and a 2016 study found that breastfeeding might actually reduce vaccination pain in infants.
Breastfeeding is a chance to bond
Another benefit of skin-to-skin contact is spending quality time together, learning about each other’s personalities, and recognizing one another’s needs. Several studies have shown that newborns physiologically need close contact with a caregiver. Skin-to-skin contact after birth can reduce the risk of hypothermia, minimize stress, and promote healthy sleep according to this 2014 study.
Pumping
Pumping can give you control over your schedule
By pumping, lactating parents can have more control over a feeding schedule, and potentially free up more precious time for themselves. This flexibility can be particularly meaningful for parents returning to work.
Pumping may offer the ability to share feedings with a partner
If you’re the only lactating parent in the house, sole responsibility for your little one’s feedings might feel exhausting, especially if you’re also recovering from childbirth. If you pump, it may be easier to split caretaking duties with a partner so they can feed your baby while you rest. Plus, this way your partner has the opportunity to bond with your child, too!
Pumping can be a way to address milk supply problems
Lactating parents who are concerned about producing enough milk might try power pumping: pumping in short bursts over a long period of time in order to increase milk supply. Since breastfeeding is a supply and demand system, it’s possible to create more demand with a pump. Consult your doctor or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant if you’re facing any milk supply challenges.
Pumping might offer more breaks
With pumping, you can build up your breast milk storage, which could allow you the freedom to go out once in a while. You can also set up your pumping station in a way that’s relaxing. Tune into your favorite show or podcast while you pump, and it might even double as alone time.
The benefits of pumping vs breastfeeding and vice versa are numerous—it all depends on your lifestyle and preferences. So whether you choose exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive pumping, or some combo of the two, you can trust that whatever method suits you best is the right choice.
Post time: Aug-11-2021